Drive-in movies: now a bike-in event

Posted:
07/14/2013 08:40:05 AM MDT

Kurtis Kelly

There is no shortage of alluring reasons to get out-of-doors this summer. And on Friday, July 19, one more great reason comes to pass.

Outdoor movies under the stars have proven to be highly popular events in towns and cities all over the country, with movie-goers enjoying the appeal of watching a film on the big screen under the night sky. And in Estes Park, we are fortunate to have an outstanding location in the form of Performance Park.

Cycling is a big theme this summer — due in no small part to the anticipation around the USA Pro Challenge that will be winding through our town this Aug. 24. In that spirit, Performance Park will be the site of a free special screening of the classic film "American Flyers" next Friday, July 19, with showtime at 8:30 p.m.

For many of us, outdoor movies conjure up nostalgic memories of those now rare drive-in movie theaters. Performance Park offers something equally enticing: the bike-in movie. You don't have to ride your bicycle to attend, but it's an excellent way to enjoy an evening ride. And refreshments will be on hand beginning at 7:30 p.m. to quench your thirst.

The Bike-In Movie Night is an innovative idea from the team at the Town of Estes Park's special events department. And with our tradition of working with movie licensing companies for special film series, the Estes Valley Library is a proud partner to support this unique and creative event. Special events staff has arranged for the outdoor movie screen and equipment, and funds donated by the Friends of the Library will make possible the licensing to show "American Flyers".

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Starring Kevin Costner and David Marshall Grant, 1985's "American Flyers" was written by Steve Tesich, the creator of another famous bicycling movie, "Breaking Away". In addition to the exploring the complex relationship of two brothers whose lives intersect after many years apart, movie-goers will enjoy the film's beautiful Colorado locales. Many scenes contain footage of the famous Coors International Bicycle Classic, a Colorado cycling-tour tradition during the 1980s.

For the library, movies serve two aspects in our program objectives. One is storytelling: like the written or spoken word, film is another art form that engages the core essence of our being — especially when watched in a group setting where we find ourselves discussing informally afterward. A second objective is the tie-in aspect that movies have with our other program and community goals. Our upcoming fall movie series, for instance, will connect thematically with the selection for this fall's One Book One Valley reading event.

Next Friday's movie night may lead to future such events — one more fine ingredient supporting the cultural life of our community — and offering another creative use of the Performance Park facility.

Bike-in, walk-in or shuttle-in, if you can. Carpool-in or drive-in if that's your best option. Whatever your transportation mode, mark your calendar for "American Flyers" — a wonderful opportunity to see a movie classic under stars on a summer night.

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